Swanson cherries (a local variety from Hanford, relatively small and soft, but very flavorful when dark) grown by David Avila in Hanford, Calif., seen at the Canoga Park farmers market. (David Karp / For The Times)
To avoid: Notice that many of these Brooks cherries are deformed spurs and doubles, basically culls that have been sorted out from the field run. The vendor was selling them for $5 a cup, the same price other stands charge for top-quality cherries. These cherries are also rather light in color, so who needs them? (David Karp / For The Times)
To avoid: Brooks cherries are relatively low in acidity, so they can deliver acceptable flavor when light-colored like these at the Hollywood farmers market, but dark red fruits will be sweeter and more richly flavored. (David Karp / For The Times)
Go Purple and Gold: Laker Baker potatoes grown by Weiser Family Farms, selling at the Hollywood farmers market. (David Karp / For The Times)
Sanguinelli blood oranges, an egg-shaped, highly colored variety that matures unusually late, grown by Laura Ramirez of JJ’s Lone Daughter Ranch in Redlands, sold at the Hollywood farmers market. (David Karp / For The Times)
Super Rich peaches grown by Burkart Farms in Dinuba, at the Hollywood farmers market. (David Karp / For The Times)
Green garlic grown by Fresno Evergreen in Fresno, at the Santa Monica farmers market. (David Karp / For The Times)
Artichokes grown by Green Family Farms in Lompoc, at the Santa Monica farmers market. (David Karp / For The Times)
Haricots verts, slender French green beans, grown by Harry’s Berries, at the Santa Monica farmers market. (David Karp / For The Times)
Tapia Bros.’ is a famous farm stand in Encino, in the San Fernando Valley. (David Karp / For The Times)
